Viatorians Celebrate Mass of the Last Supper

Passover, washing the feet, table fellowship, the Eucharist and the procession with the Blessed Sacrament to an altar of repose.

Fr. Dan Hall carries out the washing of the feet during the Holy Thursday liturgy.

These rituals from the Mass of the Lord’s Supper haven’t changed in nearly 2,000 years, but their solemn message of servant leadership — and nourishment from receiving the Eucharist — continue to resonate in our world today.

Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV, Provincial, reflected on these rituals steeped in meaning, and their call to service, as he celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.

Viatorian associates, brothers and priests gathered for Mass in the Province Center Chapel.

“On Holy Thursday,” Fr. Hall said, “we see the connection of humble service to others and the Eucharist.”

He described the washing of the feet as the ultimate act of service, that “no service is beneath our dignity as a true disciple.”

“For church leaders, a foot washing spirit should represent their usual exercise of authority,” Fr. Hall stressed. “Jesus emphasized service in all aspects of authority.”

Fr. Dan Hall, center, was the main celebrant.

The celebration drew Viatorians from the Arlington Heights and Chicago regions to gather on Holy Thursday, where they have for more than 60 years, in the intimate chapel at the Viatorian Province Center.

“As we enter into the three most sacred days of our liturgical year,” Fr. Hall said, “in a real sense we are recreating the instillation of the priesthood and of the Eucharist.”